Have you thanked Him?
Have you praised Him?
Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?
Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?
1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)
The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.
Luke 16:10 (PH)
The (one) who is faithful in the little things…
I got an email the other day from one of my colleagues from the Attorney General’s team.
It was a beautifully penned (handwritten) letter from a longtime Columbus resident. He had written it after attending a community forum on our current opiate challenges.
It was clear from the letter that this gentleman had experienced his own challenges with addiction. He was a veteran. He suffers from some chronic physical challenges resulting from his service, his work, and his battle with addiction.
But in the letter, it was clear, he had a heart and desire to give back, to give back in any way he could despite his limitations. I was deeply touched by the honesty and the heart of his expressions. So, I gave him a call. He was looking for some on ramps to serve and we most certainly have a few of those.
What ensued was a deeply touching conversation with a committed follower of Jesus; a man who was quick to own his mistakes and quicker to honor GOD for his second chances, his restoration, and his future.
But as we chatted, he shared a recent blessing in his life; a glimpse into the way that GOD can take a little thing, a little act of obedience and turn it in to something amazing.
From what I gather his injuries keep him close to home but able to get around and tinker a bit. So, he was out on his porch tinkering when a little boy from the neighborhood wandered up with a “faulty” bike.
Some nuts and bolts needed some tightening and a chain needed a little attention.
So, my new friend rummaged through his toolkit and put a wrench and some pliers to good use. And as he served this young man they “just talked”. He described the boy as a little rough around the edges but eager to talk and eager to listen. And as they fixed the bike, they just “shared a little life”.
That was all.
My friend paused to take a little time with a young man who clearly craved some attention a boy who needed someone to spend the time. Then once the repair was complete, our veteran offered a cookie to the boy and off he went.
Nice story, right?
Right.
But what has come about since is the fruit of an obedient spirit.
That young boy continues to stop by for friendship and advice. In fact, several of his friends have gotten to know the guy with a wrench and some cookies. Bonds are being made. Trust is being developed. And THAT has opened the door for my new friend to share his experiences, offer much needed warnings, and to introduce his faith.
These neighborhood kids SEEK him out.
They listen.
The cookies are just a bonus as it is the interaction and new community they treasure.
Now that is a BETTER story, right?
I agree.
My friend closed his little story as he choked back a few tears with this. “Isn’t it amazing what GOD can do with a cookie and a wrench Pastor Greg?”
Yes, a cookie and a wrench in a pair of obedient, grace-filled, compassionate hands is powerful indeed. Just like 2 fish and 5 loaves in the hands of our obedient Savior. Just like 5 smooth stones in the hands of the one designed with the heart of GOD.
Little is much when GOD is in it!
Little things can become great things when fueled by obedience, faith, and willingness.
So, the message today should be pretty apparent.
Don’t overlook the little things you can share.
Be obedient when GOD taps you to serve.
Step out in faith and be relational when you can.
You never know what GOD will do with it!
“Sometimes the little opportunities that fly at us each day can have the biggest impact.” ― Wallace
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Have a blessed day.
I love you all!
OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE
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